Aim: 

To analyze obesity which is rapidly becoming a worldwide problem.

Methods: 

In our work we studied gene expression changes in the background of cytokine and hormonal regulation in the context of the genetic background inflammation. We examined the mRNA and miRNA profiles of lymphocytes and adipocytes of obese patients.

Results: 

In Hungary, more than half of the population (60%) is now considered either overweight or obese. Carrying excess body weight is a potentially dangerous condition because it is associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Traditionally, adipose tissue was considered to passively store triacylglycerols and release free fatty acids. Now, it is recognized to be an active endocrine organ, being a source of a large number of cytokines and bioactive mediators, generally referred to as adipokines. These adipokines seem to be involved in a wide range of systemic reactions associated with haemostasis, lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, insulin sensitivity and angiogenesis. There is growing evidence that obesity is a chronic inflammatory state, indicated by the increased expression, production and release of a number of inflammation-related adipokines including TNF-a, IL-6, PAI-1, haptoglobin, and leptin. Since the discovery of miRNAs in 1993 these molecules have been shown to play critical regulatory roles in a wide range of biological and pathological processes. With regards to obesity, miRNAs have been shown to play important regulatory roles in a variety of processes that influence adiposity and its associated co-morbidities. Our results support the concept of inflammatory nature of obesity.

Conclusion: 

Examination of the miRNA-RNA relationships may provide an opportunity to identify and describe new regulatory processes.